As pedestrians, we trust drivers to look out for pedestrians and operate their vehicles safely. Unfortunately, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of pedestrians killed in vehicle crashes increased from 5,977 deaths, in 2017, to 6,283 deaths, in 2018. Pedestrian accidents may involve an individual that was walking, jogging, or running along the road and was struck and injured by a car, motorcycle, truck, or bus.
Unlike other motor vehicle accidents, pedestrians have little or no protection from the impact caused by cars, trucks, motorcycles, vans, or buses. Pedestrian accidents commonly cause severe and devastating injuries, which can permanently alter a person’s life.
If you or a loved one were injured while walking down the street or crossing a crosswalk by a car, truck, motorcycle, or van, you should always seek immediate medical attention and consult with a personal injury attorney. Our Chicago and Illinois pedestrian accident attorneys know firsthand how pedestrian accident injuries can instantaneously change a life. At Kasan Law, our pedestrian accident attorneys pursue full and fair compensation for every client.
The street can be a dangerous place for pedestrians. Even if they obey all traffic laws and signals, pedestrians may be seriously injured at intersections and crosswalks for various reasons, such as:
Even when they are alert and following every rule, pedestrians can be involved in accidents that result in injury or death. At Kasan Law, we handle a variety of pedestrian accident injury and wrongful death claims. We tailor our legal strategies to the unique circumstances of your case.
The Illinois Vehicle Code provides several right-of-way laws designed to protect pedestrians. In Illinois, a driver must come to a complete stop and yield:
Pedestrian accidents are generally caused by careless or negligent driving. Negligence is defined as the failure to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would have exercised under the same or similar circumstances. In order to receive compensation for a claim based on negligence, pedestrians must prove the following:
In any accident between pedestrians and vehicles, it is critical to determine the cause of the accident and the party responsible. At Kasan Law, before we enter settlement negotiations, our attorneys will compile evidence, speak with eyewitnesses, and, if necessary, consult expert witnesses to present a strong claim.
When a car, truck, motorcycle, van, or bus causes the accident, the pedestrian has no airbags, seatbelts, or steel cages to lessen the impact. Due to being exposed and unprotected, pedestrian accidents often cause severe or fatal injuries. Some common pedestrian accident injuries include:
The severity of pedestrian injuries depends on various factors such as the vehicle’s speed, vehicle’s size, angle of impact, body part struck, and accident location. If the pedestrian accident cause death, the deceased individual’s estate might be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit and claim monetary damages.
Pedestrians injured by cars, trucks, or motorcycles can make claims against the at-fault party’s liability insurance. Under Illinois law, pedestrian accident victims have a right to receive compensation for the full value of their damages, and may receive compensation for the following:
At Kasan Law, we take all personal injury cases on a contingency basis, which means you will not pay any legal fees unless we get you compensation for your case. Our consultations are free and carry no obligations.
As with any personal injury case, you must act quickly to protect your legal rights. If you or a family member has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our Chicago and Illinois pedestrian accident attorneys to schedule your free consultation by calling (312) 300-6724, e-mailing us at info@lawkasan.com, or schedule your consultation online.